Tag: electronics

  • Career Profile: Micro-Electronics Manufacturer

    Career Profile: Micro-Electronics Manufacturer

    Imagine working with something so small that you can barely see it. How would you ever manage to do anything with it? Micro-electronics manufacturers work with equipment to produce very small parts of machines like computers or televisions. Working as a micro-electronics manufacturer is a good job for anyone who likes to work with blueprints, diagrams, and machines to produce some of the world’s tiniest products.

    Suppose that you wanted to make a model airplane or some jewellery from a kit. Would you be able to follow the directions? Working as a micro-electronics manufacturer involves the ability to read and understand blueprints and other instructions to be able to make sure that the machines for making electronics are working properly. Very little of this work is done by hand, but manufacturers need to know how to run the machines that do the actual labour.

    The first step in working with these machines is to know as much as possible about them. Getting a job as a micro-electronics manufacturer usually involves an apprenticeship program at a college. Courses might be in a classroom or online, but they normally involve some practical work in addition to theory. One of the most important things that apprentices learn is problem-solving.

    If something goes wrong with a machine or if it was set wrong, micro-electronics manufacturers need to be able to identify the problem and be able to fix it. Courses in an apprenticeship program are likely to include techniques for interpreting diagrams, setting up and operating machinery, and cleaning up the equipment after a manufacturing run. Students might also be able to specialize in certain types of products or techniques in manufacturing.

    Besides learning about the specific techniques for their work, students also learn about general topics like health and safety or environmental concerns. These topics are important for learning about the different factors that might affect the industry.

    Suppose that you discovered that a certain chemical used in the manufacturing process was dangerous. You would have to be very careful with it, but you might decide to find a different chemical to use instead. Knowing about the dangers and benefits of different parts of the manufacturing process can help you make good decisions about how to do your job. In a good apprenticeship program, students learn about the many factors that make a difference in their jobs.

    Finding work as a micro-electronics manufacturer depends on location and level of skill. Big cities might be good places to start, but sometimes small towns have factories or workshops with the right equipment for this trade. Specializing in a particular type of electronics can also help people in this field find work. Generally, salaries for micro-electronics manufacturers range between about $30,600 and $66,500, although pay depends on the employer and the amount of experience an employee has.

    We all use electronics in our daily lives, and becoming a manufacturer in this area may be a good career choice for you, and everyone that uses technology on a daily basis.

    Bibliography:

    Algonquin College. “Microelectronics Manufacturer Apprenticeship.” http://www.algonquincollege.com/sat/program/microelectronics-manufacturer/

    Apprentice Search. “What Does a Microelectronics Manufacturer Do?” http://www.apprenticesearch.com/AboutTrades/GetTradeDetails?tradeId=117&TradeName=microelectronics-manufacturer.

    Payscale Canada. “Electronics Technician Salary (Canada).” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Electronics_Technician/Hourly_Rate.

    Wikipedia. Org. “Microelectronics.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microelectronics.

  • Staying Organized with Technology

    Staying Organized with Technology

    How can you make the most of your technology? While electronics can certainly be frustrating distractions at times, they can serve as incredible organizational tools as well. Whether you’re working on a big project or are constantly misplacing your grocery list, chances are there’s an app out there for you.

    Here are a few ways you can use your devices to make your life more efficient.

    How many times have you missed one of your errands? A virtual to-do list is a great solution. Beyond just jotting down reminders (which you could easily do in a notebook), electronic lists allow you to set alarms, plan out short-term and long-term goals, and organize your tasks based on type and priority. Apps are available for most smartphones and computers, and in many cases, all you need is an Internet connection to keep your to-do list synchronized between devices and ready to go.

    Recommended (and free) to-do list apps: Todoist, Wunderlist, Any.Do, Remember the Milk

    If you’re balancing extra-curriculars or are struggling to keep track of your plans with friends, a calendar app is the best way to go.  Organize your events by type (work schedule, date night, final exams) and input them into a virtual calendar so you know exactly what’s coming up and how to prepare for it. Most calendars allow you to view your upcoming events by day, week, or month. For maximum efficiency, keep your to-do list and your calendar synchronized. You’ll never miss a deadline again!

    Recommended (and free) calendar apps: Cal, Sunrise, Google Calendar (Android-only), Timeful (iOS-only)

    Save some paper in your classroom and try using notation software instead. Digital notes allow you to easily modify what you’ve written, search for key terms in previous lectures, and even add links to online articles and videos to enhance your learning experience. If you prefer writing by hand or your classes don’t allow the use of computers, you can still use notation software to codify your lecture notes or create summaries for your tests and exams.

    Recommended (and free) notation software: Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Google Docs, SimpleNote (iOS)

    Finally, here are some miscellaneous apps you should consider incorporating into your daily routine:

    • It can be hard to stay focused if you’re studying for hours on end. Set a timer with an alarm to keep you working for regulated lengths of time and allow for breaks in-between.
    • Distracted by the Internet? Self-regulation apps can help. For example, Self-Control for Mac (or its PC equivalent, Freedom) allows you to create a “blacklist” of your distracting sites and set a timer for your work period—then it blocks you from accessing those sites until the time’s up.
    • Reinforce your good habits (drinking enough water, not biting your nails, not going on Facebook at work). Habit trackers allow you to note the ups and downs of your daily routine over time. Check out Lift, Fail Log, and HabitBull.